The flea market is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the northeast corner of Canton's town square, but a security guard at the event said people always show up much earlier, something 16 WAPT reporter Tammy Estwick saw in the early-morning hours Thursday.

Organizers said 100 more vendors are attending than last year, selling everything from art and crafts to clothes, books and food.

"Being a small businessman, the only way I can keep my competitors out is by keeping my quality up and my prices down, so that's why you can get a really good deal out here," said vendor Mike Stewart.

The Canton Flea Market began in 1965 as an art show with local artists hanging their paintings on the wrought iron fence surrounding the grounds of the Courthouse.

"Have you ever heard of Gail Pittman? Gail Pittman Pottery? She got her start here at the Canton Flea Market, many, many years ago, and now she is known all over the world," said Jada Padgett, of the Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The event's website said it has been voted one of the top 20 events in the southeast. The flea market’s next scheduled date is Oct. 10.